INTRODUCTIONVarnia is a multi-ethnic (duoethnic?) nation that occupies the eastern coast of Arterus. It is a hybrid democracy with strong classically liberal values enshrined in its constitution, but with limited franchise at the national and a strong fundamental belief in personal responsibility, influenced by interactions with Common Law settlers since the 16th/17th century. Historically Varnia has been bound less by ideology than its own interests and has fought wars both alongside and against most major powers in the world, including the Commonwealth, Quiberon, Fanta and Dumanum.

POLITICSVarnian politics are complicated and operate on several different levels, both geographically and in terms of franchise. National "elections" are held every 6 years, in the form of the National Conference, electing the Council of State, that serves as head of state and head of government, and members of standing committees that propose and shape legislation between each Conference. Franchise is awarded through membership in professional associations and is usually restricted to practitioners of knowledge-based professions, military officers and senior civil servants. Local democracy is for the most part democratic and usually involves extensive use of referendums.

Conventional long form: The Republic of Varnia.Capital: Evenes.Administrative divisions: ~180 counties, ~4000 municipalities.Citizenship: Jus sanguinis, with jus soli applicable in some cases (most prominently, when the parents are stateless).Suffrage: Limited by profession at national level, near-universal at county and municipal level at ages ranging from 18 to 21.National symbols: The Raven, blue and white colors, bundle of sticks bound with red leatherNational anthem: None de jure, several used de facto

I. Government

Head of state: Council of StateHead of government: Council of StateLegislature: Several standing committees oversee Council of State and shape legislation for approval by professional associations. National Conference appoints Council of State, standing committee members and senior public officials every 6 years.Voting: Franchise extension to members by professional associations are approved by the National Conference, but varies. Most delegate their votes at the national conference. Legislation proposed by public initiative or by standing committees and approved by double majority (associations and members) referendums.

II. Law

Varnia has a codified constitution, with a strong differentiation between criminal and civil law. Criminal law is largely codified by legislation, though sentencing guidelines are largely determined by preceding decisions and Judge's discretion. Civil law is highly customary, but legislation may codify civil law and government agencies have legislation-based powers to regulate certain areas. (An EPA-type organization may for example issue regulations that ban a certain type of fertilizer, which would be upheld in a court as a law). Presumption of innocence and trial by one's peers are central elements of the criminal justice system.

Constitution: Codified.Highest court: The High Court of Varnia (Hoyesteretten).Jury trials: All criminal trials are in some way tried by juries or lay judges, except in the first instance for misdemeanor cases, on the agreement of both prosecution and defense.Double jeopardy: No one may be retried for the same offense if their first trial concludes in an acquittal, conviction, or mistrial.Law enforcement: Unarmed national and metropolitan law enforcement by State Police, local law enforcement by local Constabularies. Armed police forces provided from the Military Provost Corps.

Ethnicity(-ies): >90% Varnian-Praetonian mixLanguage(s): Norwegian (Varnian), English (Praetonian)Religion(s): Deism (largely the rejection of organized religion)Urbanization: 82%Major urban areas:Education: Public and private. Universal through high school. Public funds technical colleges and some other higher education. Private universities provide non-technical higher education.Healthcare: Basic healthcare is public and universal. Limited public funding available for advanced care, which is provided by private clinics and hospitalsLife expectancy: 78 years